In a landmark moment underscoring Egypt’s rising stature on the global economic stage, Ministers Hassan El-Khatib and Rania Al-Mashat, respectively heading the Ministries of Investment & Foreign Trade and Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, jointly unveiled the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025 in Cairo. The event, hosted at the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), marked Egypt’s exceptional leap in foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, positioning it among the top ten global destinations.
The report reveals a stunning 373% year-on-year surge in FDI inflows to Egypt, amounting to $47 billion in 2024, a dramatic rise from $10 billion the previous year. This propels the country to 9th place globally, a significant climb from 32nd, placing it just behind major economies such as the United States, Singapore, China, and Canada.
Africa’s Investment Leader
Egypt has also emerged as the leading investment destination in Africa in 2024, capturing the lion’s share of the continent’s FDI, which collectively rose by 75% to reach $97 billion. Following Egypt’s lead were Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Uganda, all recording notable investment increases.
The report’s findings come against a backdrop of a global FDI contraction of 11%, with total flows declining to $1.5 trillion from $1.67 trillion in 2023. While developed economies saw a steep 22% drop, flows to developing nations remained stable, and least-developed countries even posted a modest 9% increase.
Strategic Policy Reforms and Investment Projects
At the heart of Egypt’s surge lies an ambitious reform agenda and a strategic shift towards positioning the private sector as the principal engine of growth. Minister Hassan El-Khatib emphasized that the nation’s FDI resurgence is a product of “transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly policies”, aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
El-Khatib singled out the Ras El Hekma development megaproject as a critical catalyst for investor confidence. “This transformative initiative reaffirms Egypt’s status as a regional investment hub,” he said, citing its impact on job creation, infrastructure development, and sectoral diversification—particularly in real estate, coastal tourism, logistics, and urban services.
He also highlighted Egypt’s National Investment Strategy 2025–2030, which prioritizes high-impact sectors including green energy, digital industries, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. Central to this vision is the deployment of a digitized investor services platform, offering over 389 services aimed at streamlining bureaucratic processes and improving transparency.
Moreover, new legislative frameworks—such as the Green Hydrogen Incentive Law—offer tax breaks, customs exemptions, and land access advantages, aiming to attract sustainable investments in emerging technologies.
Building Investor Readiness
Looking ahead, El-Khatib confirmed Egypt’s preparations for participation in the World Bank’s Business Readiness Report, set for release in September 2026. A national steering committee has been formed to coordinate inter-ministerial efforts to ensure optimal alignment with global benchmarks.
Minister Rania Al-Mashat echoed these sentiments, noting that Egypt’s proactive approach to structural reform and economic diversification has not only mitigated the impact of global investment volatility but also positioned the country as a beacon for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“2024 marked a turning point in global investment patterns, and Egypt responded with agility,” she remarked. “Our reforms place industry, exports, and private capital at the heart of economic development.”
A Call for International Collaboration
UNCTAD’s Head of Investment Research, Richard Bolwijn, lauded Egypt’s performance while urging global stakeholders to enhance cooperation to support developing economies. “The sharp divergence in global investment patterns underscores the need for renewed international commitment to mobilizing private capital for development,” he stated.
